IBM Crafts Succession Plan

As International Business Machines Corp. prepares to celebrate its centennial on Thursday, the contest to become the company's ninth chief executive is heating up.

People familiar with the thinking of Chief Executive Samuel J. Palmisano say he is seeking advice on how to handle the transition and that they expect him to designate a successor by appointing a president or operating chief in 12 to 18 months.

Whoever...

RELATED VIDEO

digits: Competition to Lead IBM Heating Up

IBM chief Sam Palmisano is expected to designate a successor by appointing a president or operating officer in the next 12-18 months, as the company faces challenges in navigating the mobile computing and emerging markets.